I am writing to respond to Scott Flood's preposterous column in which he suggests that Hopkinton is somehow being duped into purchasing an easement for the benefit of Five Rivers Conservation Trust (It's a bad deal for Hopkinton taxpayers," Monitor Forum, Oct. 9).

In case Flood is unaware, they are not making land anymore. We have an opportunity to preserve more than 400 acres of open space with frontage on three rivers. It will be there for hunting in the fall, snowshoeing in the winter, fishing in the spring, and picnics in the summer. And all year round, every single day, the beauty of this land will be ours - forever. If Flood does not believe that this is of value to our town, I suggest he visit southern New Hampshire to see the consequence of what happens when communities don't protect open space. What was once open, rolling farmland is now malled, sprawled and soulless.

I urge Hopkinton voters not to let this happen here. Please put the Dec. 5 special town meeting on your calendar and vote to preserve the Bohanan land. Your grandchildren will thank you.

SUSAN COVERT

Contoocook